U.S. Attacks Iran's Kharg Island Oil Hub, Trump Says

The United States launched significant military strikes against Iran's Kharg Island on Friday, March 13, 2026.

President Donald Trump described the strikes as targeting 'every military target' on the strategically vital oil export hub.

ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Kharg Island, located just 15 miles off Iran's northern Gulf coast, serves as the primary terminal for approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports.

The island represents the economic lifeline of the Islamic Republic's oil-based economy.

The attack marks a major escalation in the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which began on February 28.

The conflict has already seen over 15,000 targets struck according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The timing coincides with Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

This critical waterway normally carries 20% of global oil supplies, causing severe global energy market disruption.

President Trump personally announced the extensive military operation through social media.

He claimed US forces had 'totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran's crown jewel, Kharg Island'.

ABC News

Trump deliberately spared the oil infrastructure for 'reasons of decency'.

He added a conditional threat about reconsidering his decision if Iran interferes with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

US military officials confirmed the operation was large-scale and precise.

US Central Command reported more than 90 Iranian military targets were destroyed.

The targets included naval mine storage facilities and missile storage bunkers.

The island's critical oil export infrastructure was preserved according to US officials.

Iran responded swiftly and forcefully to the Kharg Island strikes.

Iranian officials immediately threatened to retaliate against US-linked oil infrastructure.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned targeting Iranian facilities would lead to strikes on American companies.

Iran's joint military command threatened all oil and energy infrastructures with American connections.

Iranian media reported damage to military facilities but no harm to oil infrastructure.

The semi-official Fars news agency confirmed at least 15 explosions occurred.

Iranian state media insisted the island's critical oil export terminals remained operational.

This suggests Iran may continue oil exports despite the military attack.

The Kharg Island attack has sent global oil markets into turmoil.

Oil prices have surged to levels not seen since 2022.

Al Jazeera

Brent crude reached over $100 per barrel, a 37% increase since war began.

This represents a 64% year-to-date rise in oil prices.

Brent crude is trading around $100 while West Texas Intermediate is near $97.

International Energy Agency officials called this 'the largest supply disruption in global oil market history'.

Despite the strikes, Iran has continued exporting oil from the island.

Satellite imagery showed very large oil tankers loading crude at Kharg as recently as Wednesday.

The military confrontation continues to escalate beyond Kharg Island.

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Al Jazeera

A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad early Saturday.

Al Jazeera

Iraqi security sources reported smoke rising from the embassy building.

The attack occurred shortly after two Iran-backed fighters were killed in Baghdad strikes.

Qatar evacuated parts of Doha's central Musheireb district following missile interceptions.

The evacuated area includes government offices and a Google office.

The United States is deploying an additional 2,500 Marines and USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship.

This deployment comes as Iranian attacks on shipping intensify in the Strait of Hormuz.